Key West vs Orlando

Florida Restricted | Florida Restricted

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Key West, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate
Orlando, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $100 city permit + state DBPR license
Tax Rate 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $250–$500/day for code violations

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Key West charges $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee for STR licensing, while Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license. Key West renewal is annual, and Orlando renewal is annual (city); biennial (state). Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Restricted."

Tax Obligations

In Key West, hosts pay 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales). In Orlando, hosts pay 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Key West face penalties including Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate. In Orlando, violations can result in $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Key West Overview

Moratorium on new transient rental licenses — only grandfathered properties may operate STRs under 28 days. Existing licenses are property-specific and command $400K+ on the secondary market. Florida DBPR state license also required.

Contact: Key West Licensing Division — (305) 809-3959

Full Key West guide →

Orlando Overview

STRs are prohibited in most single-family residential zoning districts. Allowed in tourist-commercial zones and some mixed-use areas. Florida state law preempts local bans enacted after June 2011, creating a complex legal landscape.

Contact: Orlando Permitting Services — (407) 246-2271

Full Orlando guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Key West or Orlando?
Key West is classified as "Restricted" while Orlando is "Restricted." Key West's permit fee is $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee compared to $100 city permit + state DBPR license in Orlando. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Key West or Orlando?
Key West charges 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales), while Orlando charges 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Key West: Up to $5,000/violation and 60 days imprisonment; each day is separate. Orlando: $250–$500/day for code violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Key West and Orlando have day limits for Airbnb?
Key West has no annual day limit. Orlando has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Key West or Orlando?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Key West charges $150 Business Tax Receipt + $110 Transient Manager License + fire inspection fee for permits with 12.5% combined (5% county tourist dev. + 7.5% state sales) in taxes. Orlando charges $100 city permit + state DBPR license with 12.5% (6% state + 6% county tourist dev. + 0.5% city). Automatic tax collection in Key West and Orlando makes compliance easier for beginners.